Soon it will be more complicated and more expensive to travel to the UK. From next year, European travelers will have to pay a fee and obtain a permit to enter the country.
– We Swedes love London, it’s a big destination, so in that way this means a big change, says travel expert Lottie Knutson.
There hasn’t been much to think about if you want to make a spontaneous weekend trip to London. A plane ticket and his passport have been quite enough. But that will soon change.
European travelers visiting the UK without a visa will soon have to pay a fee to enter the country. The new rules will enter into force in the spring of 2025, according to CNN. This is something that has received very little attention, according to Lottie Knutson.
– This means a cost and more hassle for the travelers. I think it will be received with some surprise because so little has been communicated. It will probably require major information efforts, says the travel expert.
Entry permit required
The UK has given notice to expand its ETA system. An electronic travel authorization system that initially applied to travelers from Qatar.
– This will mean that for the first time we will have comprehensive knowledge of those traveling to Great Britain, says British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, reports CNN.
That’s how much the cost will be
It is not about a huge cost. Obtaining an entry permit will cost 10 pounds, equivalent to 135 kroner.
The ETA system involves a greater administrative effort on the part of the traveler. Through an app, travelers must apply for a permit by, among other things, uploading a photo of their passport, and providing information about themselves and their trip. Most will be notified within three working days, according to the British government’s website.
– I think it can lead to fear of time consumption and hassle, more than concern about the cost itself. However, I don’t think it will be that complicated. But you have to sit and fill in the forms before the trip, says Lottie Knutson.
“Big change”
London has long topped the lists of the most popular weekend travel destinations among Swedes. Therefore, the new entry rules can be seen as a big change, according to Knutson.
– We Swedes love London. It’s a big destination so in that way this is a big change. It might prevent spontaneous bookings in the future.